Bangladesh team to reach Pakistan “early” for two-match Test series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the Bangladesh men’s cricket team will arrive early in Pakistan to prepare for the two-match Test series, scheduled to commence on August 21.

The two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and will be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi from 21-25 August and 30 August-3 September, respectively.

Originally scheduled to arrive on 17 August in Islamabad, the Bangladesh team will now land in Lahore on the morning of 13 August.

Bangladesh team will train at the Gaddafi Stadium from 14-16 August before travelling to Islamabad on 17 August to hold practice sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 18-20 August.

The PCB had extended an invitation to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to send their team earlier, ensuring they have adequate and fair training opportunities ahead of the ICC World Test Championship matches.

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“Sports is not only about winning and losing, it’s also about comradery. I remain confident that the extra training sessions in Lahore will allow the players to showcase their best skills and talent on the global stage,” said PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer.

“We are delighted that the BCB have accepted our offer and we look forward to welcoming the Bangladesh men’s cricket team in Lahore on 13 August with our traditional hospitality. This will allow them to have three additional days of training and practice at one of our iconic venues before proceeding to Islamabad as originally planned,” he added.

BCB Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury thanked the PCB for providing their national team with an ample opportunity to train adequately for the upcoming series.

“We thank the PCB for giving the Bangladesh cricket team the opportunity to have additional training in Pakistan. This will certainly help the players to acclimate to the conditions and prepare better for the ICC World Test Championship series.”

This will be Bangladesh’s first tour of Pakistan since 2020 when they played three T20Is in Lahore and one-off Test in Rawalpindi. Bangladesh also played two ACC Asia Cup 2023 matches in Lahore against Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Bangladesh is one of the seven sides that will feature in next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan. The other six sides are Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, New Zealand and South Africa.

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